Some Points To Remember While Choosing PSAT Dates

5 Things to Consider When You Select a PSAT Date

The PSAT tests the skills you have acquired
over the years. The first step in appearing for the test is selecting a
date for the test. However, there are other aspects you need to
remember when you make this selection. The five important things to consider are:

Selecting a Test Center

The available test date is in October. It is offered on two days
every year, the third Saturday of October and the preceding Wednesday.
Before selecting a date,
check with your high school counsellor or administration office about
the day/date when your school will administer the test. In case you are
unable to appear for the test on the day your school is administering
it, check with the other high schools in or near your area to check if
they are administering on the alternate date. For example, if your
school is administering the test
on Saturday, another school might be administering the test on
Wednesday. It is important that you decide quickly about your test
center because you will need to sign up at the test center where you
intend to take the test. Make sure that you pay the test fee at the
center where you will appear for the test.

Check for other information

If you are in grade 11 and require fee waivers, check with your
school counsellor whether you are eligible for fee
waivers and the method for applying for the waiver. If you want to
apply for scholarships, check the cut-off dates and set reminders in
advance to remind you about submitting your applications. Look out for
related information, such as college admissions, so that you know when
to appear for the PSAT, SAT and when to submit applications for
colleges.

Plan a study schedule

Every standardized test requires steady preparation over a
period.
Cramming is not the key to achieving high scores in such tests. Thus,
you will need to set a timetable for yourself, which will help you to
pace yourself for the test. Setting a schedule will allow you enough
time to cover all the topics/concepts as well as practice each type of
question. Make sure that you devote equal time to each subject and
concentrate equally on each topic. Identify your strengths and
weaknesses by taking diagnostic tests so that you can focus more on the
weak areas. Develop a strategy to prepare thoroughly for the test. If
you are attending tutorials or classes, make sure that you allocate time
to prepare by yourself as self-study reinforces the concepts studied.

Familiarize yourself on the test format

This is an important step after selecting a date. Practice as
much as you can after you have studied the concepts. The skills you
need to achieve a high score are not information based that will be
repeated in the test. For example, it
does not test your ability to recall specific information. The test is
an assessment of your logical or critical thinking abilities, your
ability to apply the knowledge you have learned over the years in high
school and your knowledge of vocabulary. Thus, you must practice using
these skills.

Remember important information

Make sure that you are aware of the test date, time
and your test center. You will not be allowed to appear for the test if
you arrive late. Carry only what is required at the test center,
especially approved calculators. Make sure you know this beforehand to
avoid any untoward situation. The things you need to carry with you on
the test day are: